Ethereum Tutorial: Ethereum & Smart Contracts from Scratch

--- **Overall Course Review** The global rating for this course stands at a commendable **4.75/5**, with all recent reviews pointing towards a highly informative and engaging learning experience. The course, led by instructor David, serves as an excellent beginner-level introduction to developing blockchain with cryptocurrency and smart contracts, receiving particular praise for its depth and coverage of Ethereum's beige paper. **Pros:** - **Comprehensive Content**: The course is recognized as one of the most comprehensive on the topic of Ethereum architecture and source code, covering a vast array of computer science concepts at a rapid pace. - **Educational Approach**: David's teaching style is highly regarded, with students appreciating his clear explanations, use of proper terminology, and ability to abstract complex topics for beginners. - **Real-World Application**: Students report that the course's practical approach encourages them to think beyond the scope of the lessons, planning for more advanced and real-world applications of smart contracts. - **Learning Pace**: Despite the fast pace, the course is structured in a logical progression, making it easier to understand the material. - **Coding Techniques**: The instructor's method of dictating code while teaching allows students to follow along effectively, some even typing the code as they listen. - **Engagement and Enjoyment**: Many students expressed that they found the course not only informative but also enjoyable, with credit given to David's teaching prowess. **Cons:** - **Complexity for Beginners**: Some students found the course challenging, especially those who were not familiar with JavaScript or blockchain concepts beforehand. It is recommended to start with foundational courses on these subjects first. - **Video Length and Detail**: A few reviews suggested that some videos were too lengthy and difficult to follow without re-watching, while others wished for more detailed instructions on progressing further in the project or following up with additional courses. - **Visual Representations**: At least one student found the code flow, particularly from the "Accounts and Transactions" sections onwards, hard to understand without diagrams or flowcharts. - **Setup Issues**: A couple of reviews mentioned issues with the instructions for setting up repl.it, but most were able to resolve this by setting up their own accounts. - **Access to Code**: Some students felt that having access to the code during the course would have been helpful, particularly for checking syntax errors on the fly. **In summary:** This course is highly recommended for individuals with a basic understanding of JavaScript and blockchain concepts. It is an advanced course that provides a deep dive into Ethereum architecture and source code, taught by an instructor known for his expertise and clear communication skills. While it covers an impressive range of topics at a brisk pace, it is worth noting that a foundational knowledge of JavaScript and familiarity with coding will greatly enhance the learning experience. The course's approach to teaching code and its comprehensive coverage of complex concepts make it an invaluable resource for students looking to advance their understanding of blockchain technology.